Ric Bucher's post on Houston Rockets | Latest updates on Sulia

Hardly a surprise that Chauncey Billups returned and quelled yet another Clippers' uprising

His season debut after a 10-month layoff due to a torn Achilles was timely, not only helping to end a four-game skid but raise his profile around the team. Keeping a squad in line is infinitely harder when you're not playing, no matter who you are. Billups started Wednesday night, played 19 minutes and made only one shot, his first of five, a 3 to answer an opening 3 by Minnesota's Malcolm Lee, but it was enough. No one has more lockerroom authority with the Clips than Billups and that includes CP3. When Kenyon Martin initiated a revolt against coach Vinny Del Negro last season, Billups was instrumental in quieting it. I would imagine he'll be key in convincing CP3 to stay beyond this year as well, although Paul will no doubt be very conscious of the fact that Billups' playing career is nearly over. LAC would be well advised to keep him on in some capacity to help persuade CP3 they plan to continue moving in the right direction.